BBB Consumer Newsletter - January 2025
BBB Midwest Plains
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As January begins and resolutions take shape, BBB is here to help you achieve your goals! Whether you're fine-tuning your finances, hunting for the perfect gym, or exploring meal delivery services, we’ve got expert tips to make every choice a confident one.
Stay vigilant with our latest Scam Alerts: uncover the truth behind misleading weight loss ads, spot phony debt collection calls, and avoid ticket scams. Protect your wallet — and your peace of mind — with BBB by your side.
?? BBB Tips
Which financial wellness expert do you need?
Let’s face it: when it comes to finances, the terminology and acronyms alone can be confusing. Which professional can do your taxes? Who do you see if you need to draw up a will or a power of attorney? What’s a fiduciary? Let BBB help you navigate the waters and lead you to the right professional. Read more.
Need to get in shape? BBB has tips for joining a gym
If your goal is to lose weight, get in better shape, or improve your overall health, deciding to join a gym may be the first step. However, don't just sign up at the first gym you see or visit. Before signing on the dotted line, research all options first! Read more.
Choosing a meal delivery service
Meal delivery services give consumers a more convenient way to make home-cooked dinners by delivering fresh, pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to your doorstep. But just like any other service, each company is different. Read more.
?? Community News
BBB and FBI team up to combat holiday shopping scams
The Better Business Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Omaha Field Office teamed up to raise awareness of holiday shopping scams. Read more.
Stay on alert for scams going into the new year
The holiday shopping season has come to a close, but you should still be on alert for shopping scams. Read more.
Protect yourself from risks and scams during peak shopping periods
BBB Midwest Plains discussed the increased risks of scams during peak shopping periods and how to avoid falling victim to them. Read more.
?? BBB Scam Alerts
Spot misleading ads and subscription traps for weight loss products
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, scammers know that losing weight and getting in shape is one of the most popular goals. This popularity has led to a slew of scams involving vitamins, supplements, and weight loss formulas, all claiming to offer rapid results.? Read more.
How to recognize phony debt collection calls and texts
Debt collection scams can be highly intimidating. Victims often face harassment for weeks or months over debts they don’t owe. BBB receives reports of con artists changing tactics just to get the information necessary to collect information or cash. Read more.
Synthetic ID theft, a new trick for scammers
Identity theft is evolving, and scammers are getting smarter. Using a tactic called “synthetic identity theft,” they piece together details from multiple people to create fake identities—making it nearly impossible to detect. Experts predict this fraud could cost $23 billion by 2030. Learn how to protect yourself. Read more.
?? Local?Scam Reporting?
Scams & The Holidays
December's data reveals that 43% of scams reported in our service area were online purchase scams, likely influenced by the increase in online holiday shopping.
Proportion of Scam Types Reported (December 2024)
领英推荐
These graphs use information reported to BBB Scam Tracker from people in BBB Midwest Plains' service area?
Age of Victims: Top 3 Scam Types in 2024
The top three most frequently reported scam types in 2024 were Online Purchase Scams, Phishing Scams, and Cryptocurrency Scams.
Age Distribution of Victims by Scam Type The age distribution data demonstrates a varied impact on different demographics, with notable trends in each scam type:
Report a Scam
Have you encountered a scam? Reporting it through BBB Scam Tracker takes less than 2.5 minutes — and it makes a big difference. Every report strengthens a shared network of information, keeping consumers, businesses, and law enforcement up-to-date on the latest local scams. Together, we can help prevent others from falling victim.
Upcoming Free Events
Omaha West Rotary Club - Scam Prevention
Catholic Charities Omaha - Scam Prevention
Presbyterian Church of the Cross - Scam Prevention
Upcoming Accredited Business Events
Webinar: Winning in GenAI Search - What Every Small Business Must Know
Webinar: Compliance in 2025: Key HR Law Updates for Organizational Success
?? BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship Program
The BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship Program celebrates high school seniors who exemplify strong leadership, ethics and integrity. Sponsored by BBB's Education Foundation, these scholarships support students who stand out as ethical leaders in their communities. BBB Midwest Plains is proud to offer 15 scholarships of $2,000 each to students across its service area.
Priority will be given to applicants who qualify for free or reduced lunch and those who are first-generation college students.
? Know a business that champions integrity and builds trust in the marketplace?
Let them know about the value of BBB Accreditation and help them start the process to join our community of trustworthy businesses today.
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